Fire extinguisher



Jan. 11, 1956 c un-isms, JR 3,228,474

FIRE EXTINGUISHER Filed Aug. 11, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. K. HUTfiS|N6,Jc

P F 6 I BY jTTOR/VEY? Jan. 11, 1966 c. K. HUTHSING, JR 3,228,474

FIRE EXTINGUISHER Filed Aug. 11, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. C HARLES K. HUTHS l NG,JF. BYW4QMMU ATTORNEYS United States Patent Office 3,228,474 FIRE EXTINGUISHER Charles K. Huthsing, EL, 1685 Shermer Road, Northbrook, Ill. Filed Aug. 11, 1961, Ser. No. 130,794 6 Ciairns. (Cl. 16931) This invention generally relates to portable fire extinguishers of the type carried by hand to the fire location and which are supported by the operator as the fire is extinguished. The invention is particularly adaptable to dry chemical type fire extinguishers in which a powder is used to extinguish the fire by being expelled from the extinguisher by the release of pressurized gas therein, for example, from a normally sealed cartridge.

It will be appreciated, however, that certain features of the invention may have application to carbon dioxide and other types of fire extinguishers, and the invention is not to be thought of as limited in its application to dry chemical type fire extinguishers.

In the past, mos-t conventional fire extinguishers adapted for manual carrying from one location to another have embodied a valve or head body threaded or otherwise coupled to a neck opening in the tank of the extinguisher. The valve body is also provided with a valved passage communicating between the tank and an outlet hose attached thereto. The valve or head body usually has a carrying handle rigidly connected or pivotably coupled thereto. In some cases, the carrying handle may comprise a separate structure welded or otherwise secured to a sidewall of the tank. In such case, however, the outlet hose still remains coupled to the valve or head body.

One of the problems associated with the foregoing conventional structure relates to convenient carrying of the extinguisher. Thus, the handle usually extends radially outwardly from the axis of the extinguisher so that it is not positioned over the center of gravity of the extinguisher; in consequence, the extinguisher is un balanced in the hand of the user; more precisely, the handle is located such that the extinguisher is canted with respect to the vertical as it is carried.

Another problem associated with conventional extinguishers is that it is almost impossible to operate such extinguishers with one hand since one hand of the operator must be holding the handle and the other hand must be holding the hose to which the nozzle is connected.

Another problem characterizing in particular dry chemical type fire extinguishers has been the difiiculty in clearing the hose of dry powder after usage such that the extinguisher may be placed in proper operating condition for use again. Also, in conjunction with recharging is the associated problem of forcing the new cartridge into proper position in the powder.

As a consequence of the foregoing problems, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a fire extinguisher which may be carried in an upright position with the center of gravity or weight of the extinguisher balanced directly below the operators hand such that no force tends to cant or twist the extinguisher from its upright position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable fire extinguisher embodying means for blowing out the hose after the extinguisher has been used without causing further undesirable discharge of the contents of the extinguisher tank.

A further object of the present invention to provide an improved fire extinguisher which has a carrying handle constructed and positioned such that the handle may not only serve to conveniently balance and carry the 3,228,474 Patented Jan. 11, 1966 extinguisher, but which also serves as a hose rack or means of retaining the hose when the extinguisher is in its non-operating condition; and further, as a possible means of positioning the hose for single handeid operation when the extinguisher is in its operating condition.

Still another object is to provide an extinguisher in which the cartridge may be replaced without forced displacement of powder.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved fire extinguisher of reduced weight, which is more economical in construction and which has a fewer number of parts.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are generally achieved by providing an improved fire extinguisher comprising a tank having a pressurized cartridge retained therein. A puncturing mechanism is sealably coupled tothe tank in position for manual puncturing of the cartridge. A check valve is connected to the tank and communciates therethrough; the check valve prevents flow into the tank and permits flow from the tank in response to pressurization thereof. An outlet hose communicates with the outlet of the check valve.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the extinguisher tank is of a general cylindrical configuration (as in conventional construction) and is closed at both ends. The puncturing mechanism is located at the top of the extinguisher and the check valve at the bottom of the extinguisher.

In response to fracturing of the cartridge seal by the puncturing mechanism, gas is released to open the check valve at the bottom of the extinguisher tank and force powder in the tank out through the hose.

As a feature of the present invention, an air inlet fitting is provided in conjunction with the check valve on the downstream side thereof such that the air hose may be blown out with pressurized air from a conventional air chuck and compressor or the like without discharging or otherwise disturbing the contents of the extinguisher tank.

As another feature of the invention, in a preferred embodiment, the carrying handle is of a U-shaped configuration having its terminal ends, respectively, attached to a diametrically opposite portion of the tank sidewall, and with the closed arcua-te portion of the handle being, as such, of U-shaped or channeled cross section to conveniently retain a portion of the outlet hose.

A better understanding of the improved fire extinguisher, according to the present invention, may be had by reference to the drawings showing merely an illustrative embodiment, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front plan view of the extinguisher, partially in section to show the construction of the components retained within the extinguisher tank;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of the extinguisher shown in FIGURE 1, also partly in section; and

FIGURE 3 is a top view of the improved fire extinguisher according to the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIGURE 1 an improved fire extinguisher 10 according to the present invention embodying a tank generally designated by the numeral 12. Preferably the tank is made up of three longitudinal sections, an upper section 14, an intermediate section 16, and a lower section 18. The three sections may be welded or otherwise joined together as indicated at 20 and 22.

The lower section 18 terminates in an open end defined by a beaded annular rim 24. The upper section 14 has coupled thereto a carrying handle generally designated by the numeral 26. An opening 28 (as clearly seen in FIGURE 2) is provided in the lower section 18 to accarrying handle 26. The hose 30 functions as an outlet conduit for the contents of the extinguisher tank 12 and terminates in a manually acuated nozzle 32 of conventional construction which may be held during periods of non-operation to a nozzle retainer bracket 34 welded or otherwise secured to the tank sidewalls of the section 16.

As clearly shown in the views of FIGURES 2 and 3, a conventional fill cap and discharge indicator 36 may be sealably mounted in the upper portion 14 of the extinguisher tank 12.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, as clearly shown in the view of FIGURE 1, there is provided an improved puncturing mechanism 38 which is sealably connected through the upper sidewalls of the section 14 of the tank 12.

The puncturing mechanism 38 embodies a cup-shaped cover 40 designed to be actuated downwardly by the palm of an operators hand. The member 40 has rigidly connected thereto a stem 42 slidably received in a body 44. Normally the member 40 is prevented against downward movement by a locking pin 46 of conventional construction which extends through registering bores provided in the body 44 and the stem 42.

Desirably, the stem 42 is provided with an O-ring 48 to prevent gas leakage and is biased upwardly by a spring 50 which cooperates with an internally decreased diameter portion of the body 44.

The stem 42 is provided with diametrically extending stop member 52 which is designed to engage the lower portion of the body member 44 thereby limiting upward movement of the member 40 in response to the biasing force of the spring 50.

The stem 42 terminates at its free end in a puncture pin 54 of conventional design provided with radially ex tending outlet openings 56. The puncture pin 54, upon downward actuation of the cup-shaped member 40, is adapted to pierce a frangible seal 58 held by a retainer 60, the former acting to seal off the contents of the pressurized gas cartridge 62.

A U-shaped locking pin 64 is provided to prevent unthreading of the cartridge from the end 66 of the body 44, the latter being threaded to the neck 68 of the cartridge 62. The retainer 60 is in turn threaded to the cartridge neck 68. Radially extending openings 70 are provided in the body 44 proximate the seal 58, whereby pressurized gases from the cartridge 62 may escape through the openings 70.

A further O-ring 72 is desirably provided between the I body 44 and a collar 74 which may be threaded together at 76. The collar 74 may be attached by welding or other metal joining method to the upper sidewalls of the tank section 14.

Encircling the cartridge 62 and radially spaced there- .from is a cartridge container or casing 78 which is retained between the collar 74 and the body 44 by an upper flanged end as clearly shown in the drawing of FIGURE 1. The casing 78 has coupled thereto at its lower end a check valve unit, generally designated by the numeral 80. Towards this end, the casing 78 is provided with a valve seat 82. The check valve unit 80 includes a spring retainer 84 threaded at 86 to the lower portion of the cartridge casing 78. A conventional ball 88 and spring 90 are retained within the spring retainer 84 which communicates through a fitting 92 to a discharge tube 94 terminating in a deflector 96. The tube 94 has openings 98 adjacent the deflector 96, whereby gases flowing through the opening 70 will force the ball 88 downwardly against the biasing force of the spring 90 to thereafter cause the pressurized gases to be ejected through the openings 98.

The lower tank section 16 is closed off with a bottom closure member or bottom tank wall 100 which i provided with an opening 102 to accommodate a valve body 104. The valve body 104 is designed to receive a valve member 106 which is normally urged towards a closed position sealing off the contents of the tank 12 by a spring means 108. The valve body 104 has connected thereto an air inlet fitting 110 designed to receive a conventional air chuck. The valve body 104 also is provided with a threaded plug 112 designed to retain the spring means 108 and to allow replacement thereof if necessary.

The valve body 104 defines an inner chamber 114 which communicates through on outlet opening 116 and hose fitting 118 with the hose 30. As heretofore mentioned, the hose 30 passes outwardly through an opening 28 in the sidewall of the tank section 18, as more clearly shown in the view of FIGURE 2.

The handle 26 not only functions as a carrying handle but also functions as a hose rack. The handle 26 is of a generally U-shaped construction and is provided with terminal ends or leg members 120 and 122 which are attached to diametrically opposite side portions of the tank section 14, as by welding or the like. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, the arcuate portion 124 of the handle 26 is in itself of U-shaped cross section or channeled to provide a means of retaining the hose 30, as clearly shown in FIGURE 1 of the drawing.

The operation of the improved fire extinguisher according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. The hose i normally retained on the bracket 34 over the carrying handle 26 in the manner as shown in the drawings. When the extinguisher is to be used, it is carried to the location of the fire by lifting under the carrying handle 26. Towards this end, it is to be noted that the carrying handle 26, as clearly shown in the view of FIGURES 2 and 3 is disposed diametrically over the body of the extinguisher. In consequence, the lifting force is exerted directly in opposition to the center of gravity of the extinguisher such that the extinguisher remains in a vertical upright position enabling more convenient carrying. During this movement, the value 106 prevents powder from entering the hose.

Once the extinguisher has been carried to a location adjacent the fire, the nozzle 32 is removed from the bracket 34. Thereafter, the cup-shaped member 40 is actuated downwardly by the palm of the operators hand to in turn cause the puncture pin 54 to overcome the biasing force of spring 50 and to fracture the frangible seal 58. In consequence, the pressurized gas within the cartridge 62 will pass out through the openings 70', force the ball 88 off its seat, and thereafter pass downwardly through the tube 94 and out the openings 98 adjacent the deflector 96.

As the gases enter the extinguisher tank 12, the pres sure thereof will cause the valve 106 to overcome the biasing force of the spring 108 and open said valve, whereby the powder in the tank will be urged out the opening 116 through the fitting 118 and into the hose 30 to be expelled through the nozzle 32 upon actuation of same.

It will be appreciated that the nozzle 32 may be held in one hand while the other hand is supporting the weight of the extinguisher by the carrying handle 26. If desired, the nozzle and hose may be positioned in the portion 124 of the carrying handle 26 such that the thurnb of the operators hand may operate the lever on the nozzle while the other fingers of his hand support the carrying handle, whereby the unit is susceptible of single-handed operation. Thus, two extinguishers could conceivably be used jointly by the same operator under certain circumstances. I

After use of the extinguisher, the hose 30 may be blown out and cleared of powder by merely connecting an air chuck to the air inlet valve 110 communicating with the valve chamber 114. In view of the valve 106, no air will pass into the tank 12 but will pass entirely through the hose 30 and nozzle 32 to clear same of powder remaining therein and to prevent the possibility of inadvertent flow stoppage in the event of a subsequent operation. Of course, the lever on nozzle 32 must be actuated to provide an open passage for removal of the powder.

For purposes of recharging, the cartridge may be replaced by removing the puncturing mechanism 38. The body 44 of the puncturing mechanism has its lower end 66, as hertofore mentioned, threadedly connected to the neck 68 of the cartridge such that the cartridge is removed at the same time the puncturing mechanism is nnthreaded from the unit. Thereafter, the cartridge as such may be unthreaded from the body 44 and a new cartridge and seal member 58 threadingly replaced into the body 44. The body 44 may then be threaded again to the collar 74 and the unit will again be ready for operation. In replacing the cartridge, it is to be noted that the casing 78 prevents the necessity of the cartridge being forced into the powder.

It will be appreciated that the unit is susceptible of easy repair and maintenance. For example, the bottom valve 104 may be readily opened by removing the threaded plug 112 to replace the spring member 106, as heretofore mentioned. Furthermore, if any problem exists in the valve 88 or spring 90, it is merely necessary to remove the casing 78 (which is threadedly connected at 86 to the spring retainer 84) by merely lifting same after the body 44 has been unthreaded and removed from the tank collar 74.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the improved fire extinguisher according to the present invention represents a simple and economical construction with a limited number of parts. Furthermore, the extinguisher is uniquely adaptable to convenient carrying and single-handed operation. In addition, it may be easily and readily maintained and parts readily replaced if necessary.

It will be appreciated, however, that various changes and modifications may be made in the construction of the improved fire extinguisher of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An improved fire extinguisher comprising: a tank; a pressurized cartridge supported and retained within said tank; a puncturing mechanism sealably coupled to said tank in position for manual puncturing of said cartridge; a normally closed check valve communicating through and connected to the bottom of said tank; an outlet hose connected to the outlet of said check valve; and, a U-shaped carrying handle having the terminal ends thereof connected, respectively, to opposite sides of said tank, said handle having its arcuate base portion of U-shaped cross section to retain a portion of said hose, whereby the remainder of the hose may extend upwardly along one side and downwardly along the other side of said tank.

2. An improved fire extinguisher comprising: a generally cylindrical tank closed at both ends; a pressurized sealed cartridge retained within said tank; a puncturing mechanism sealably coupled to the upper portion of said tank in position for manual puncturing of said cartridge; a normally closed check valve communicating through and connected to said tank in the lower portion thereof; a U-shaped carrying handle having the terminal ends thereof connected, respectively, to opposite side portions of said tank at the upper end of said tank, said handle having its arcuate base portion of U-shaped cross section;

and an outlet hose connected to said check valve for communication with the interior of said tank, said outlet hose having a portion extending upwardly along one side, a portion thereof adapted to fit Within and be retained by the arcuate portion of said handle, and a portion extending downwardly along the other side.

3. An improved fire extinguisher, according to claim 2, in which said puncturing mechanism includes a body threadedly coupled to said tank; a cup-shaped member projecting from said body and movable with respect thereto; and, a puncturing pin carried by said cup-shaped member designed for breaking the seal covering said cartridge upon movement of said cup-shaped member downwardly.

4. An improved fire extinguisher comprising: a generally cylindrical tank closed at both ends; a pressurized cartridge retained within said tank; a cylindrical casing encircling said cartridge, said casing being supported and retained within said tank in radially spaced relationship to said cartridge; a first check valve coupled to said casing and normally closed to define an annular sealed off volume between said cartridge and said casing, said check valve being opened in response to escape of pressurized gases from said cartridge; 21 puncturing mechanism sealably coupled to said tank in position for manual puncturing of said cartridge; a second normally closed check valve communicating through and connected to said tank, said check valve being coupled to the lower end of said tank; a carrying handle of U-shaped design coupled to the upper end of said tank, the terminal end portions of said U-shaped handle being secured, respectively, to diametrically opposite side portions of the upper end of said tank; and, an outlet hose connected to and communicating through said second check valve, said outlet hose having a portion thereof carried by said carrying handle.

5. An improved fire extinguisher, according to claim 4, in which said carrying handle in the closed portion thereof is defined by a U-shaped cross section to receive and retain said portion of said outlet hose.

6. An improved fire extinguisher, according to claim 4, in which said second check valve defines a chamber; and an air passage fitting communicating with said chamber for blowing out said outlet hose.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,691,041 11/1928 Badger 16931 1,709,091 4/ 1929 Nissly.

1,915,728 6/1933 Gabler 222148 2,489,339 11/1949 Stroop 169-31' 2,510,861 6/1950 Boal 16931 2,533,685 12/1950 Nurkiewicz 169-31 2,580,419 1/1952 Griggs 16931 2,592,029 4/1952 Hansen 169-31 2,606,701 8/1952 Huthsing 239154 X 2,719,590 10/1955 Guise 16931 2,741,318 4/1956 Allen 16931 2,748,744 6/1956 Trulove 16931 X 3,016,097 1/1962 Paus et al 16931 3,092,330 6/1963 Ridenour et al 239530 M. HENSON WOOD, In, Primary Examiner.

EUGENE F. BLANCHARD, EVERETT W. KIRBY,

' Examiners. 

1. AN IMPROVED FIRE EXTINGUISHER COMPRISING: A TANK; A PRESSURIZED CARTRIDGE SUPPORTED AND RETAINED WITHIN SAID TANK; A PUNCTURING MECHANISM SEALABLY COUPLED TO SAID TANK IN POSITION FOR MANUAL PUNCTURING OF SAID CARTRIDGE; A NORMALLY CLOSED CHECK VALVE COMMUNICATING THROUGH AND CONNECTED TO THE BOTTOM OF SAID TANK; AN OUTLET HOSE CONNECTED TO THE OUTLET OF SAID CHECK VALVE; AND, A U-SHAPED CARRYING HANDLE HAVING THE TERMINAL ENDS THEREOF CONNECTED, RESPECTIVELY, TO OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID TANK, SAID HANDLE HAVING ITS ARCUATE BASE PORTION OF U-SHAPED CROSS SECTION TO RETAIN A PORTION OF SAID HOSE, WHEREBY THE REMAINDER OF THE HOSE MAY EXTEND UPWARDLY ALONG ONE SIDE AND DOWNWARDLY ALONG THE OTHER SIDE OF SAID TANK. 